Forward P.J. Tucker was surprised and disappointed the Bucks didn’t make a competitive offer to retain him, according to Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel. Tucker wanted to stay but Milwaukee didn’t show interest in doing so despite his contributions to its championship run.
“I was pretty surprised,” said Tucker, who signed a two-year, $15MM deal with the Heat. “You win a championship and you are part of winning something special like that, you would expect that. A chance of it not happening? There’s a chance. It didn’t happen. … You watch role guys in series in the past, usually those guys go back.”
We have more from the Central Division:
- One of the reasons why the Pacers agreed to an extension with Malcolm Brogdon is the way he embraces his leadership role, Scott Agness of Fieldhouse Files notes. “Malcolm Brogdon is a special player and a special person, and he’s our leader,” coach Rick Carlisle said. “And one of the reasons I feel so great about this extension is that he really wants to be here. He wants to be in a position of high responsibility and leadership. He’s stepped those things up to a very high level.” Brogdon signed a two-year, $45MM extension.
- The Pistons could have the youngest starting five in the league this season and coach Dwane Casey hopes they can establish a hard-nosed identity this season, Keith Langlois of Pistons.com writes. “We’ve got to be patient. We’re a young group,” Casey said. “One thing we can control is how hard we come out and compete. We’re going to coach to win each and every possession – not every game, every possession – and compete as such. We want to establish who we are.”
- The Suns’ ability to make the Finals with a young group fortified by key veteran additions helped convince Bulls executive VP of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas to take an aggressive approach to the offseason, Chris Herring of Sports Illustrated writes. “It was very motivating to see how big a jump a team like Phoenix was able to make,” Karnisovas said. Herring takes a close look at how the pieces acquired by the Bulls could fit together.
I would’ve gladly taken Brogdon as a centerpiece to a Ben Simmons package. Throw in some 1st rounders and a vip pass at The Sunset Strip. Deal!!!
Miami is gonna regret that signing.
Why? He’s a solid rotation player on a. decent short term deal.
Tucker’s 3-point shooting has been erratic lately, but his defense is still among the best in the league. He’s a good fit in Miami, even at age 36.
Tucker was so disappointed he almost retired. After several minutes of dialing his agent’s number and hanging up before anyone picked up, he stepped back from the ledge and reluctantly agreed to join the Heat.
Ha. I liked Tucker’s comment too, and his ability to keep one player from dominating a game. However I got tired of his complaining and advocating of a certain kind of style that resembled wrestling.
Mr Tucker you got outrageously overpaid by MIA, the vets min is about the most you should get paid, so can’t blame MIL, they will do just fine without you… MIA will come to regret that big contract!
@ElDon
You’re buggin. PJ is a character guy. He is the epitome of what Pat Riley loves in his non star players. Tough, hustle and heart and he’s bringing championship toughness with him to go head up against guys like KD, Randle, Tobias, (Embiid and Giannis on help). He and Butler will combine to bring a lot of physical toughness that they need.
I’m surprised too that Tucker wasn’t made a competitive offer by MIL, assuming what he means is the Miami level contract. Yes, key role players on championship teams generally do return, but rarely with the same results. Still, 7.5 mm for a guy who saw full rotation minutes in the playoffs isn’t so much.